WalesOnline reported that rescuers were initially working on the assumption the man, who has not been named, may have conducted a "self-rescue" by finding his way to safety to the nearest river bank.

A spokesman today said: "Dyfed Powys Police can confirm that a body has been found during the search for a 34-year-old kayaker who went missing on the River Usk yesterday afternoon.

"The body was discovered shortly before 11.20am in the River Usk

The family of the missing kayaker has been informed of the discovery and efforts will now get underway to formally identify the deceased."

A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police yesterday said specialist search teams were looking for the man including the force helicopter.

He added: "Weather conditions are very difficult and challenging at the scene.

"We advise people to stay away from the scene for their safety due to the conditions."

Water levels had been high on the River Usk following heavy rain over the weekend.

The river burst its banks at Llanfoist, near Abergavenny, yesterday.

Simon Woodhead, of the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, was one of 45 members searching on Sunday.

He said: "The river was out of its banks and the area the river flows through - particularly the top end - is quite gorgy, so it has very very steep muddy sides and the footpaths, which would normally be at the water's edge, were actually under water.

"Come dark, it was far too dangerous to have personnel in the area so the search was stood down for the evening."

Earlier today, Inspector Stuart Eckley said officers from a marine unit at Pembrokeshire had been drafted in, with specialist dogs.

He also thanked the people of Llangynidr for "the excellent support the community has shown to us".